Kenneth Jerome Pinkney attacked a woman wearing a hijab, deputies said. (Mug shot: Broward County Sheriff’s Office)
A man is accused of attacking a hijab-wearing postal worker in a bigoted and unprovoked attack. Kenneth Jerome Pinkney is charged in Broward County, Florida, with battery as a second or subsequent offense, and committing a second-degree felony evidencing prejudice.
The probable cause affidavit and court records contradict each other on whether Pinkney is 46 or 47.
According to the arrest affidavit, the victim was a U.S. Postal Service mailwoman who was out working while wearing a hijab.
“Pinkney rode his bike past her and made his hand into the shape of a firearm, and made a shooting gesture,” deputies wrote. “As the victim became nervous, Pinkney began calling her derogatory names and telling her to go back to her country as the victim attempted to laugh the comments off.”
Pinkney allegedly then approached her, ripped off her hijab, and started to slap and punch her in the face.
She bled from the mouth and sustained scratches to her face, documents stated.
As she tried to get back to her truck, he allegedly tried grabbing her leg. She had to rip his shirt to get away.
She warned him she was going to call the cops. This allegedly prompted Pinkney to say that he was going to call the cops.
“I was then able to make contact with Pinkney who was unable to provide any details regarding the incident without losing track of his story,” deputies wrote.
Deputies did not spell out the woman’s religion or background in documents, but Muslim are known to wear the hijab, a religious headscarf.
Authorities noted that Pinkney was convicted of battery on June 7, 1996.
He remains at the Broward County Jail on a $20,000 bond.
The case is underway in earnest, with Pinkny’s public defender filing on Wednesday for discovery and any exculpatory evidence.
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